Illinois Indigenous Plants Symposium - Understanding the Research Behind Local Conservation - University of Illinois Extension
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Illinois Indigenous Plants Symposium
Understanding the Research
Behind Local Conservation
April 5-7, 2019
John A. Logan College, Carterville, IL
Guided Hikes
Keynote: Chris Evans Native Plant Sale on
April 5 - Atwood Ridge
Closing: Justin Schoof Saturday, April 6
April 7 - Rocky Bluff
Register online: https://ill-inps.org/2019-illinois-indigenous-plants-symposium/
2/13/19
Table of contents:
Registration & contact information . . . . . . . . 1
Welcome letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Session descriptions & biographies . . . . . . . . 5 - 9
About us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Location, directions, map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Registration form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Illinois Indigenous Plants Symposium Registration Information and Policies
Please take the time to read through our registration guidelines and policies.
We accept registrations by mail, in person, or online. Registration fee includes a box lunch. We cannot guarantee
lunch for registrations at the symposium site. On-line registration can be made at: https://ill-inps.org/2019-illinois-
indigenous-plants-symposium/
Registration Deadline April 2, 2019
Register early to guarantee your spot and lunch for the conference. Registration and payment must be received by
April 2, 2019. Please indicate ‘Symposium Registration’ on the envelope.
Lunch Options
There are three options for sandwiches, sides, and desserts. Water bottles will be provided.
Sandwich options: (1) ham, salami, provolone on Italian rolls; (2) chicken salad on croissant; (3) three cheese on
croissant (vegetarian)
Side options: (1) spinach salad; (2) fresh salad greens; (3) rotini pasta salad
Dessert options: (1) blueberry bar; (2) eight treasure brownie; (3) 2 cookies
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellations will be accepted until Friday March 15, 2019. NO REFUNDS AFTER MARCH 15, 2019. Requests
for refunds can be made in writing and sent to:
INPS - Southern Chapter
Attn: Symposium Registration Cost
P.O. Box 271 INPS Members: $25
Carbondale, IL 62903 Non-Members: $30
Questions? Students: $15 (please bring student
Email us at Indigenousplants@hotmail.com ID on day of event)
1
Illinois Indigenous Plants Symposium
Understanding the Research Behind Local Conservation
Welcome from the INPS Symposium Committee
Southern Illinois is known to be one of the most biologically diverse places in the Midwest, and the
Shawnee National Forest, the related state and federal lands, and our large private holdings contain the most
magnificent examples of that diversity. Nearly 10 percent of Illinois’ natural areas are found within the Shawnee
National Forest alone, making the national forest the second largest landowner in the state of such biological
hotspots. About 400 plants and animals that are listed on the state’s threatened or endangered species list occur
within the forest, as well as federally-listed species. The Shawnee’s 79 natural areas include 25 different natural
communities, ranging from woodlands and glades to barrens and caves. Numerous other state recognized nature
preserves dot the rest of southern Illinois’ landscapes.
Many research projects are carried out in our natural areas every year. These are critical for understanding
the needs of our Southern Illinois ecosystems and the organisms within them and protecting them for future
generations. This symposium is both a celebration of these efforts and an opportunity to share with you the
excitement and results of these projects and explain the rationale and methods behind them.
“Our natural areas are gems within the forests of Southern Illinois,” says Brendan Cain, the forest
supervisor for Shawnee National Forest. “It is great to know that so many people value and love these places. We
hope others will discover natural areas through this symposium.” One of the two hikes associated with the
symposium will be held at Atwood Ridge, one of the wilder sectors in the Shawnee, and the other will be at Rocky
Bluff, one of the holdings of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
The annual native plant sale organized by Green Earth will be held on Saturday. Other area organizations
will also be on hand to help extend the knowledge of native plants, research, and natural areas.
The symposium is made possible by the southern chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society in
collaboration with John A. Logan College, U.S. Forest Service at the Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois
University Department of Plant Biology, Green Earth, and University of Illinois Extension.
2
THE SYMPOSIUM IS SPONSORED BY
Going Green! Please provide your email address and phone number to receive
electronic confirmation of your registration. If you do not have email, confirmation
will be by phone. We will not be printing handouts from most of the presentations.
3
SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE
UNDERSTANDING THE RESEARCH BEHIND LOCAL CONSERVATION
Friday April 5, 2019
Departure 2:00 p.m. Atwood Ridge RNA, Shawnee National Forest
Saturday April 6, 2019
8:00 am – 9:00 am Registration
9:00 am Opening remarks
Research Needs for Southern Illinois Native Plants and Natural Areas
9:10 am – 10:00 am Opening Keynote: Chris Evans
10:15 am – 10:15 am Break
CHANGES THROUGH
BIODIVERSITY TRACK
TIME TRACK
Developing a Land Management Plan for
Session SIUC’s Touch of Nature Environmental Resiliency of Restored Grasslands to Drought
10:15 am – 11:00 am
I Center Dr. Sara Baer
Dr. Charles Ruffner
11:00 am – 11:15 am Break
Conserving our Region’s Rarest Plants:
Native and Exotic Tree-Killers: Bark and
Session Ecological Research, Ex Situ Conservation,
11:15 am – 12:00 pm Ambrosia Beetles
II and Building Botanical Capacity
Dr. John Reeve
Dr. Kayri Havens
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm LUNCH
A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity Revealed "Let The Sunshine In" Meets “Priority
Session
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm III
in Southern Illinois Pollinator Inventory Implementation of Oak Ecosystem Recovery”
Dr. Sedonia Sipes Nick Seaton
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm Break
Stand Dynamics over 62 Years within a
Dichantheliums: Oh, the Stories They can Tell!
Session Protected Old-Growth Hardwood Forest in
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm IV Southern IL
Justin Thomas
Dr. Jim Zaczek
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm Break
Regional Climate Change Projections for Southern Illinois
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Closing Plenary: Dr. Justin Schoof
Sunday April 7, 2019
Departure 10:00 a.m. Rocky Bluff Trail, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
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SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Research needs for southern Illinois Native Plants and Natural Areas
Chris Evans, Extension Forester
Research plays a crucial role in the conservation and management of our native plants and natural areas.
Connecting researchers with land managers is important to inform both relevant, applied research as well as
directed, effective management. The presentation will discuss some of the major topics that are in need of more
research and ways forward.
CHANGES THROUGH TIME TRACK
Developing a Land Management Plan for SIUC’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center
Dr. Charles Ruffner
Touch of Nature is dedicated to environmental education and personal growth through experiential learning in the
outdoors. Over the last 50 years it has grown to include over 3100 acres of mostly forested rolling hills in Jackson
County. I will discuss the need for, and the activities, that we have conducted to develop the Land Management
Plan. My talk will include basic descriptions and current conditions of the landscape out there as well as the overall
management objectives going into the next decade.
Native and Exotic Tree-Killers: Bark and Ambrosia Beetles
Dr. John Reeve
Bark and ambrosia beetles are commonly found in dead and declining trees, but some are capable of killing healthy
ones. I review the biology and ecology of these insects, with emphasis on the southern pine beetle. This native
species is a devastating pest of southern forests, and is extending its range northward in response to climate change.
I also review the threats posed by exotic bark and ambrosia beetles introduced by global trade.
A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity Revealed in Southern Illinois Pollinator Inventory
Dr. Sedonia Sipes
An inventory of floral visitors focusing on Federal lands in southern Illinois has revealed a rich native bee
biodiversity. Our ecologically stratified sampling has yielded, for example, over 30 bee species not present in the
INHS state records, as well as several putative species new to science. I will summarize some of our interesting
findings and talk about future directions of biodiversity research in my lab.
Stand Dynamics over 62 Years within a Protected Old-Growth Hardwood Forest in Southern Illinois
Dr. Jim Zaczek
Survival and growth of existing trees and that of ingrowth (new trees) and forest tree diversity were
measured 8 times over 62 years in an oak-hickory forest located within a protected natural area in southern
Illinois. Significant changes in tree species composition, survival, basal area, and diversity as well as growth, stand
density, ingrowth, and importance values.
BIODIVERSITY TRACK
Resiliency of restored grasslands to drought
Dr. Sara Baer
One ecosystem attribute ecological restoration aims to achieve is that the restored ecosystem is resilient to a
similar extent as a reference system. There is little information on the degree to which restored grasslands are
resilient to drought and respond comparably to reference grassland. Aboveground net primary production data
collected before, during, and after the 2012 were used to assess resilience of restored grasslands drought in (1) long-
term restored prairie compared to never-cultivated prairie; (2) short-term restored prairie established in average
5
precipitation and drought years; and (3) prairie restored with local and non-local ecotypes across a climate gradient.
Data from multiple restoration experiments across space and time demonstrate restorations sown with local
ecotypes or cultivars of native grasses exhibited resilience to the 2012 drought, with oldest restorations responding
in harmony with native prairie.
Conserving our Region’s Rarest Plants: Ecological Research, Ex Situ Conservation, and Building
Botanical Capacity
Dr. Kayri Havens
Rare plants are facing a multitude of threats, from habitat loss and invasive species to climate change and
more. Effectively conserving these species requires understanding their biology and ecological interactions,
addressing threats in situ, creating a safety net by maintaining collections ex situ, and confronting capacity issues. I
will discuss both science and policy approaches we are taking to improve plant conservation efforts in the Midwest
and beyond.
"Let The Sunshine In" Meets “Priority Implementation of Oak Ecosystem Recovery”
Nick Seaton
As the “Let the Sunshine In” campaign continues into the future, new projects are incorporating management that
benefit oak systems and increase species diversity on private lands. Future work is shedding light on endangered and
threatened species distributions along with resources to protect them from common forest threats in the Shawnee.
Dichanthelium sp.: Oh, the Stories They can Tell!
Justin Thomas
Dichanthelium is the second largest genus of vascular plants in the eastern half of North America; second only
to Carex. It is also one of the most frustrating and poorly understood; second to Rubus, perhaps. In an attempt to
dispel the myths surrounding Dichanthelium, expert on the genus, Justin Thomas, will address some of their
reproductive behaviors, evolutionary trajectories, ecological affinities, and phytogeographical trends, as they relate to
Illinois.
CLOSING REMARKS
Regional Climate Change Projections for Southern Illinois
Dr. Justin Schoof
Climate change is a global issue, but the impacts of environmental changes will occur across spatial
scales. This presentation will focus on (1) the process of developing regional climate change projections a (2)
describing specific projections for southern Illinois based on state-of-the-art climate modeling techniques.
GUIDED HIKES
Friday, April 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Trail Hike: Atwood Ridge RNA
The Atwood Ridge RNA contains several relatively undisturbed natural community types, including:
barrens, hill prairie, dry upland forest, dry-mesic upland forest, and mesic upland forest. The RNA also contains two
Illinois Endangered plants (including panic grass (Panicum ravenelii)), and an Illinois Threatened plant species, the
chestnut oak (Quercus prinus). Several other uncommon and relict plants occur here as well, including the Cucumber-
tree (Magnolia acuminata) and the rosebud-azalea (Rhododendrom prinophyllum), both southeastern species at the
northwestern edge of their range. Read more at: https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/rna/il/shawnee/atwood-ridge/
Directions: From Highway 146 west of Jonesboro, take Berryville Road south to Water Plant Lane and drive to the
end. The last part of the road is steep with loose gravel, but it's passable in a passenger car if it's dry.
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Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
Trail Hike: Rocky Bluff Trail at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
The Rocky Bluff Trail winds through a wide variety of habitats and some of the most spectacular scenery on
the refuge. There are intermittent waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and some steep, rocky sections of trail may make
hiking difficult at times, but very worthwhile. This trail is graced with over 60 varieties of wildflowers such as
bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches and celandine poppy. A moderately difficult 2.2 mile loop.
Directions: Trail head is located on Tacoma Lake Road, 0.5 miles south of Grassy Road. Please note: all vehicles
must have a visitor pass from Crab Orchard. You can purchase a day pass for $2 at the visitor’s center. You
may purchase in advance. Carpooling is encouraged, as parking is very limited at the site.
THANK YOU TO OUR VENDORS!
7BIOGRAPHIES
Chris Evans is an Extension Forestry and Research Specialist with the University of Illinois. He has worked on
conversation issues in southern Illinois for more than a decade and has been involved with the Native Plant Society,
serving as a board member for the Southern Chapter.
Dr. Charles Ruffner has taught various forestry courses including Measurements, Mapping and GIS, Fire in
Wildland Management, International Forestry, and Historical Ecology since joining the faculty of Southern Illinois
University in August 1999. His main academic interests include International Ag Development, Fire History, and
Oak Woodland Restoration. His SIUC Fire Dawg crew works closely with local agencies, landowners, and interest
groups to reintroduce prescribed burning to forests and prairies of the Central Hardwoods region. He currently
serves on the Governing Board of the Oak Woodlands and Forest Fire Consortium, also as Past-President of the
Illinois Prescribed Fire Council, and is on his second term as an Illinois Nature Preserves Commissioner.
Nick Seaton works as the Project Coordinator for the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area in
Southern Illinois. He attended SIU for a BA for forestry and is expecting his MS in plant biology in 2019. Nick is
currently the caretaker for Audubon’s War Bluff Valley Sanctuary in Pope County.
Dr. Kayri Havens holds a B.S. and an M.A. in Botany from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Biology
from Indiana University. She spent three years as the Conservation Biologist at Missouri Botanical Garden before
joining the Chicago Botanic Garden in April 1997. She is currently the Garden’s Senior Director of Ecology and
Conservation and Senior Scientist. Her research interests include the effects of climate change on plant species,
restoration genetics, pollination networks, ex situ conservation, and invasion biology. She chairs the Non-federal
Cooperators Committee of the Plant Conservation Alliance, is active in plant conservation advocacy with elected
officials, and collaborates with a variety of academic institutions, agencies and stewardship organizations to help
improve conservation efforts for plants and plant communities.
Dr. Sedonia Sipes is an associate professor at SIU whose research has included specialist bee ecology, rare plant
breeding systems, and bee evolution. Her lab presently is conducting a pollinator inventory focused on the Crab
Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Shawnee National Forest regions. By sampling different habitats across the
flowering season and recording other ecological information like floral associations, she hopes to elucidate patterns
of pollinator diversity in southern Illinois.
Dr. Jim Zaczek is a Forest Ecologist and Chair of the Department of Forestry at SIU Carbondale. His research
interests include the biology, ecology, and genetics of trees; regeneration and restoration ecology of hardwood forest
ecosystems; stand dynamics in old growth hardwood forests; propagation of recalcitrant woody plants especially
oaks; ontogenetic changes in trees; giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) and canebrake ecology, restoration, and habitat
rehabilitation.
Dr. Sara Baer is a professor and chair of the plant biology department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
She completed a Ph.D. at Kansas State University. Her research centers on bridging ecological theory with
restoration ecology to improve the structure and function of degraded ecosystems. She is particularly interested in
the degree to which the recovery of soil microbiological processes, carbon pools, and nitrogen dynamics influence
floristic diversity in disturbed, restored, and native ecosystems. Much of her research has focused on
agroecosystems restored to tallgrass prairie species. These studies have demonstrated that grassland restorations are
dynamic ecosystems belowground, with continual increases in total soil carbon and rapid recovery of labile organic
matter pools, while becoming increasing nitrogen limited.
8Justin Thomas is the Science Director for NatureCITE (www.naturecite.org) where he oversees and conducts
ecological and botanical research and instructs plant identification workshops. He has 22 years of professional field-
based experience, and a Master of Science degree in Botany from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio). He teaches
Botany and Field Botany at Missouri University of Science and Technology, is the junior author of the Ecological
Checklist of the Missouri Flora, and holds a research associateship at Missouri Botanical Garden.
Dr. John Reeve is an associate professor of zoology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He completed his
Ph.D. at the University of California. His research involves the ecology of bark beetles and their natural enemies,
especially the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis).
Dr. Justin Schoof is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Resources at SIU
Carbondale. He earned a PhD from Indiana University in 2004 and has been at SIU since 2006. His teaching and
research interests are in the field of climate science with a focus on understanding regional climate variability and
change.
ABOUT US
Illinois Native Plant Society
The Illinois Native Plant Society promotes the study and appreciation of Illinois’ natural vegetation and provides
educational resources for those that wish to learn or share in our enthusiasm. The purposes of the society are: 1) to
promote the study, appreciation and conservation of the native flora and natural communities of Illinois; 2) to
provide education as to the value of the native flora and its habitat; and 3) to produce publications that provide an
outlet for information, such as the peer-reviewed journal Erigenia and the quarterly newsletter, The Harbinger.
https://ill-inps.org
Southern Illinois University Department of Plant Biology
The Department of Plant Biology offers undergraduate and graduate degrees for students interested in the scientific
study of plants. The faculty maintains expertise in plant anatomy, biodiversity, conservation, ecology, evolution,
morphology, phylogeny, physiology, phytochemistry and systematics.
Green Earth
Green Earth’s mission is to preserve natural areas for the benefit of the people of Carbondale, Illinois. It owns and
maintains six natural areas, totaling 220 acres, and nine miles of hiking trails — all open to the public for outdoor
recreation and enjoyment. Green Earth was created in 1974 with the purpose of acquiring, preserving and providing
public access to natural areas in Carbondale. www.greenearthinc.org
University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties — and far beyond. Extension provides
practical education to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better
future. More than 1.5 million Illinois residents take part in Extension programs each year, including nearly 200,000
who participate in 4-H youth programs.
Shawnee National Forest
Administered by the USDA Forest Service, about 1 million people visit Shawnee National Forest each year to
connect with nature on its 289,000 acres. Learn more at http://www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee.
9LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
John A. Logan College Center for Business and Industry
800 Mary Logan Road, Carterville, IL
Directions:
From I-57 in Marion (east), go west on Illinois Route 13. Turn right on Greenbriar Rd– there is a traffic light,
school sign. Turn right on Logan College Rd, then make 1st left on Mary Logan Rd. Make the second right on Mary
Logan Road. The center is at the end of the parking lot. Follow the signs to the atrium.
From Carbondale (west) go east on Illinois Route 13. Turn left on Greenbriar Rd – at the traffic light, school sign.
Proceed same as above.
10Registration Form
Illinois Indigenous Plants Symposium | April 5 – April 7, 2019
Registration and payment must be received by April 2, 2019
Cancellation and refund through March 15, 2019
Cost:
INPS Members: $25
Non-Members: $30
Students: $15 (please bring student ID on day of event)
Name (please print) ______________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________ State ______ Zip Code ___________________
Phone ___________________________________ Email ________________________________________
You are registered for the opening keynote (9:10 am) and the closing plenary (3:00 pm)
Please choose the sessions you would like to attend for each concurrent time slot.
Time Changes Through Time Track Biodiversity Track
Developing a Land Management Plan for SIUC’s
Resiliency of restored grasslands to drought
Touch of Nature Environmental Center
10:15 am Dr. Sara Baer
Dr. Charles Ruffner
Conserving our Region’s Rarest Plants: Ecological
Native and Exotic Tree-Killers: Bark and
Research, Ex Situ Conservation, and Building
Ambrosia Beetles
11:15 am Botanical Capacity
Dr. John Reeve
Dr. Kayri Havens
A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity Revealed in
"Let The Sunshine In" Meets PIOER
1:00 pm Southern Illinois Pollinator Inventory
Nick Seaton
Dr. Sedonia Sipes
Stand Dynamics over 62 Years within a Protected Dichantheliums: Oh, the Stories They can Tell!
2:00 pm Old-Growth Hardwood Forest in Southern IL Justin Thomas
Dr. Jim Zaczek
Lunch - Please choose one sandwich type, one side, and one dessert:
Sandwich options: Side options: Dessert options:
___ Ham, Salami, Provolone on Italian Roll ___ Spinach Salad ___ Blueberry Bar
___ Chicken Salad on Croissant ___ Fresh Salad Greens ___ Brownie
___ Three Cheese on Croissant (Vegetarian) ___ Rotini Pasta Salad ___ 2 Cookies
You can also register online at: https://ill-inps.org/2019-illinois-indigenous-plants-symposium/
Please return this registration form and payment by April 2, 2019 to: If your registration is not received
INPS Southern Chapter by the deadline, we will ask you to
Attn: Symposium Registration pay again at the symposium. Your
P.O. Box 271 initial payment will then be
Carbondale, IL 62903-271 returned.
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